Coupler Support Mechanism Multi-Dimensional Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional coupler support mechanisms for mass transit cars only allow vertical adjustment, occupy significant space, are susceptible to contamination, and cannot be disengaged from supporting loads without removal, limiting multi-dimensional alignment and auxiliary component installation.
Innovation Solution
A coupler support mechanism featuring pivotally movable support arms with torsion springs and adjustable tension rods, enabling multi-dimensional adjustment, compact design, and the ability to disengage from loads without removal, allowing for lateral and longitudinal movement and reduced debris accumulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If conventional vertical support mechanisms with springs or hydraulic cylinders are used, then vertical load support is achieved, but the mechanism occupies substantial space and only allows single-plane vertical adjustment
Solution Approach 1:
The support mechanism is divided into multiple independent support arms (at least two) that can be independently adjusted. Each support arm provides vertical load support while the segmented structure allows for more compact arrangement compared to a single large spring or hydraulic cylinder, thereby reducing overall space occupancy while maintaining load support capability
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanism transitions from single-plane vertical adjustment to multi-dimensional adjustment by enabling both vertical movement and lateral adjustment through the independent pivoting of multiple support arms. This dimensional expansion allows the coupler to be adjusted in multiple directions without requiring proportionally larger mechanism components
2Force
If large springs or hydraulic cylinders are used for vertical load support, then load bearing capacity is sufficient, but auxiliary components cannot be installed adjacent to the coupler
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the load support function across multiple smaller support arms rather than using one large spring or hydraulic cylinder, the mechanism creates more available space around the coupler. This segmented approach maintains sufficient load bearing capacity through the combined effect of multiple arms while freeing up adjacent spaces for auxiliary component installation
3Ease of operation
If conventional vertical support mechanisms are used, then vertical adjustment is provided, but lateral adjustment of the coupler is not possible
Solution Approach 1:
The support arms are designed with pivotal connections that allow dynamic movement in multiple directions. Each support arm can pivot independently, enabling the coupler to adjust vertically through the pivoting action and laterally through the combined movement of multiple arms, thus providing both vertical and lateral adjustment capabilities
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanism expands from one-dimensional vertical adjustment to two-dimensional adjustment by incorporating lateral movement capability. The independent pivoting of multiple support arms creates degrees of freedom that enable adjustment in both vertical and lateral directions, enhancing the adaptability of the coupler alignment
4Force
If spring-suspended members are used, then vertical support is achieved, but contamination from debris buildup between spring coils reduces operating efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and removes the spring components from the support mechanism, replacing them with rigid support arms and torsion springs positioned away from the load path. This elimination of coil springs in the direct load-bearing path removes the spaces where debris could accumulate, thereby eliminating the contamination issue while maintaining vertical support functionality
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables precise multi-dimensional alignment of couplers, reduces space occupancy, minimizes contamination, and allows for the installation of auxiliary components, improving operational efficiency and flexibility.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of torsion springs corresponding to the plurality of support arms. The plurality of torsion springs may be operatively connected to the plurality of support arms such that pivotal movement of any of the plurality of support arms causes a rotational movement of the corresponding torsion springs
Data Source
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AI summary
A coupler for transit cars includes a coupler anchor, a coupler mechanism supported to the coupler anchor by a deformation tube and draft gear element, and a coupler support mechanism. The coupler support mechanism includes two support arms pivotally mounted to a lower part of a coupling connector. A tension rod is provided for each support arm to control the pivotal displacement of each support arm. Each support arm further includes a torsion spring which is loaded as the support arm is pivotally displaced in an upward direction and unloaded as the support arm is pivotally displaced in a downward direction. The position of each support arm may be adjusted independently, thereby allowing adjustment of the coupler along longitudinal and lateral planes of the transit car.